Clinging to Darkness
“Suppose one reads a story of filthy atrocities in the paper. Then suppose that something turns up suggesting that the story might not be quite true, or not quite so bad as it was made out. Is one's first feeling, 'Thank God, even they aren't quite so bad as that,' or is it a feeling of disappointment, and even a determination to cling to the first story for the sheer pleasure of thinking your enemies are as bad as possible? If it is the second then it is, I am afraid, the first step in a process which, if followed to the end, will make us into devils. You see, one is beginning to wish that black was a little blacker. If we give that wish its head, later on we shall wish to see grey as black, and then to see white itself as black. Finally, we shall insist on seeing everything -- God and our friends and ourselves included -- as bad, and not be able to stop doing it: we shall be fixed forever in a universe of pure hatred.”
― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
This quote by C.S. Lewis accurately describes the modern political instinct - and perhaps the reason so many of us are frantic about this election. Even if we have a hopeful instinct and would never "wish to see grey as black" - there can be no doubt that is what modern media wants us to see. They twist words and amplify or imbue meaning to what was harmless or error. Both sides. This leads us to assume that the other side is black and motivated by hatred.
We all have discovered that we were misled by a story. Unfortunately, fair and balanced reporting of facts is rare. But some of us, when confronted with the truth that the media did exaggerate something or someone to make it worse - when we learn that things are not as bad as all that - we still cling to our anger. This is a very dangerous road - that chooses cynicism and hatred even when hope and reconciliation are offered.
There is no doubt that politics matter and there is evil in some people's motivations. However, if we discover a true, lighter version of events, let's grasp it. Then it all might not feel so dark.
Other posts relating to this topic: https://philosophyofmotherhood.wordpress.com/2020/11/03/light-in-political-darkness/
https://philosophyofmotherhood.wordpress.com/2020/10/29/the-opening-of-the-american-voters-mind/
Artwork: Fallen Angel, Alexandre Cabanel